d) Electrocuting an elephant

Thomas Edison filmed the electrocution of an elephant in 1903 to discredit Nikola Tesla’s new form of electricity, alternating current (AC). This was part of the “War of Currents,” a bitter battle between Edison and Tesla over the future of electricity supply. Edison, a proponent of direct current (DC), sought to portray AC as dangerous. The elephant, named Topsy, was electrocuted at Coney Island in a public demonstration. Edison’s film was meant to highlight the risks of AC, but this event is now often seen as a cruel and misguided attempt to sway public opinion. The controversy ultimately ended with the widespread adoption of AC, vindicating Tesla’s vision for safe and efficient electric power distribution.